Let’s talk about S maybe, let’s talk about you and me. Yes, the word is out. Let’s talk about silos. Those lumpy business unit things inside your organisation. Silos can be one of the biggest barriers to successful transformation. Because with silos, it is us versus them, or they need to change not we. The different subcultures in business units ensure the silos keep on working their traditional way. Good for running business, but not if senior leadership has chosen to change course and transform to new ways of working.
Cross functional teams
Cross-functional teams are a powerful way to break these silos, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing across different parts of the organization. Start by defining a common purpose that everyone can rally behind, regardless of their department. This could be a joint vision 2035 or a goal everyone puts hope in. Whether this is to beat the competition, or to make a better world. A clear and compelling purpose helps align team members’ efforts and provides a sense of direction. This purpose should be communicated clearly and consistently to ensure that everyone understands the goals and their role in achieving them. Not to forget, it should be understandable for both HQ and ground staff.
Use case
We have a platform called Chompany Challenges, that helps organisations to make a cross business unit transformation change easy and understandable. By appealing not only to fancy branding jargon, but making challenges for employees in a fun way, learning about the why of transformation will make it easier for employees to adapt to the new transformation.
Online communications
Establish channels for open communication, where team members can share insights, ask questions, and offer solutions without hierarchy. This could involve regular team meetings, collaborative online platforms, or informal check-ins. Open communication fosters transparency and trust, which are essential for effective collaboration. Cross-functional teams bring diverse perspectives, helping identify blind spots and create more holistic solutions. Team members from different departments bring unique expertise and viewpoints, which can lead to more innovative and well-rounded approaches to problem-solving.
From structure to culture
Breaking down silos isn’t just about structure—it’s about creating a culture where people are encouraged to connect, collaborate, and innovate together. Encourage team members to spend time understanding each other’s roles and challenges, which can lead to greater empathy and a more cohesive team dynamic. Recognize and reward collaborative behaviors to reinforce the importance of working together towards shared goals. By building cross-functional teams and fostering a culture of collaboration, organizations can overcome the barriers created by silos and drive more effective and sustainable change.